Homecoming in Canutillo not only brings out the alumni of the high school but the entire Canutillo community as well. Festivities included a parade and bonfire Wednesday night and continue with a pep rally for Friday’s football game against Riverside.

This year, Canutillo High School is excited to announce the selection of Canutillo native and County Judge Ruben Vogt as Outstanding Ex for Homecoming 2017. Vogt recently served as Chief of Staff for County Judge Veronica Escobar and on October 2, 2017, he was appointed as El Paso County Judge to complete Judge Escobar’s unexpired term.

“It is extremely surreal. I never expected to be sitting here today, but I’m extremely humbled by the opportunity,” Vogt said. “I think that we have the opportunity to do some really great things and, if nothing more, inspire other people with the reality that they too can get to a really high position in any organization that they serve in.”

Ruben grew up on a small farm in Canutillo and graduated from CHS in 2002. A first-generation college graduate, he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and English/American Literature from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he also earned a Master’s of Science in Intelligence and National Security Studies.

Ruben has many other accomplishments and earned many awards and recognitions. Some include serving as the founding Director of CYnergy; a UTEP program aimed at building social capital by developing disadvantaged border youth into social entrepreneurs. In 2014, Ruben was named one of El Paso’s Top 30 Under 30 by El Paso Magazine. He was also recognized as one of the 54 young leaders in the U.S. whose story was published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Extraordinary Teen Soul.”

In 2016, Ruben received the Breakthrough Leader Award by the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as a Legislative Analyst for State Senator Eliot Shapleigh focusing on healthcare, border policy and environmental issues. Vogt says he is committed to strengthening his community by helping empower others to create lasting social change.

“Canutillo has done a good job of trying to build that worldly aspect for our students to realize that you can go out and make a difference. It can be here, there or anywhere. But we’ve given you the tools that are needed for you to be able to do that,” Vogt said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re at; as long as you make the most of the opportunities that are given to you and even those that aren’t given to you; you have to seek them out and make them happen for yourself.”

Vogt understands that a lot of college students and young professionals leave El Paso but has some advice for anyone thinking about coming back.

“This is the place where you can really make something special happen, not just for yourself, but for the community,” he added. “I love our district and I love the work that’s been done. I can’t wait to be a part of the homecoming festivities.”

Vogt will address and inspire students at the Canutillo High School Homecoming Pep Rally Friday, November 3.